Editors' Introduction

In Spring of 2002, HoW find themselves in London to better understand the transcontinental manifestations of popular culture (particularly in pubs).  We are at our table, two pints of stout in front of us, while the DJ spins an impossibly eclectic collection of music. One of us turns to the other and says, “this is quite good”; the other replies, “it’s what I dream about.” more

What Up, Dogma?: Contemporary Rock and Primitive Correctness - John Kimsey

Depending on the moment, rock finds its noble savages among American blacks; poor Southern whites; the visionary or the insane; hippie tribalists; eastern mystics; Jamaican Rastafarians; disaffected British working-class kids; junkies from Seattle; musicians from a monolithic third world; and--no qualifiers necessary, it would seem--Australians, as well as anyone or anything Irish. The source changes--about every three weeks--but the search for the elusive, authentically primitive continues. more

Bono Versus Eminem - Said Shirazi

The great hypocrisy surrounding Bono today is that he is considered to be political because of his activism, when he has given up being political where it really counts, in his songs. When you hear Bono sing "Elevation" at an NBA half-time show brought to you by NetZero, nothing is communicated but the most fake and watered-down idea of spirituality. The net effect really is zero, though I'm sure the day's gross was substantial. more

Japan Pop! - Hazel Cameron

Japanese pop stars often go to incredible lengths to forge relationships with their fans through handshaking sessions, public photo shoots, correspondence, internet web sites, and chat rooms. They attempt to create a feeling of togetherness. For example, they often ask for advice from their fans or offer advice to help others "make sense of the world." In this way, the pop stars are seen on the same level as their fans rather than above them; they give the impression that any person has the potential to be important. Of course, their loyal fans also increase their personal revenue. more

Nico: Lost in the Land - Part II: Derelict Emotions - Jeff Purdue

Nico could display a bizarre wit in concerts. On one live CD, she introduces a song this way: "I wrote this song [pause] for Richard Nixon [long pause] on Halloween [longer pause]. I'd like to dedicate it to Ronald Reagan." more